Automobile signaling device



C. H. SHIPMAN.

AUTOMOBILE SIGNALING DEViCE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 16. NHL

1 33 1 5 3 1 Patented Feb. 24, 1920.

WITNESS: IVIENTOR.

L'karlesJZS/uhmn f l aiyngmui A ATTORNEYS.

CHARLES H. sHIrMAN, or SAN isnnncrsco, CALIFORNIA.

AUTOMOBILE SIGNALING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 24, 1920.

Application filed October 16, 1917. Serial No. 196,820.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES H. SHIPMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city and county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Automobile Signaling Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to signal devices for automobiles and like vehicles; and has for its object to provide a simplified and improved form of signal cabinet, especially adapted for attachment to the rear of an automobile and operable by any suitable mechanism to indicate in advance to vehicles in the rear any contemplated change in the direction of travel or an intention to slow down or stop.

The present device comprises a small and compact cabinet adapted to be attached to the rear of an automobile and within which are journaled two oscillating members one above the other. The front of the cabinet is provided with windows at its top and bottom and on each oscillating member are two signs, one on each side of the adjacent window when the oscillating member is in normal position. Suitable mechanism, comprising, preferably, a pinion and a reciproeating rack, actuates each oscillatlng member in either direction to display the signs thereon alternately.

One form which my invention may assume is exemplified in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 shows a rear view of an automobile to which is applied my signal cabinet.

one above the other, on axles 13 and 14 journaled in a forked bracket 15, are two disk-shaped members 16 and 17, respectively, each of which has formed upon its front face two signs positioned one on each side of the adjacent window when the disk is in normal position. In the case of the top disk the signs are in the form of arrows pointing in opposite directions and the bottom disk has the words Stop and Slow formed thereon. By turning the disks in opposite directions the signs may be alternately positioned beneath the windows for display.

These signs may be formed by cutting the material of the disk with a stencil and pasting thereover a mica or celluloid strip 18. A light 19 is arranged behind each disk in line with the window to illuminate the signs when they are displayed.

The operating mechanism for the disks preferably includes a pinion on each axle 1314, meshing with a reciprocating rack 21 slidable in bearings 22. A rod 23 connects with each rack and extends forwardly to suitable actuating mechanism not shown.

The disks are normally disposed so as to present their signs on opposite sides of the adjacent window out of view. They are turned in either direction through the operating mechanism to dispose the proper sign behind the adjacent window. The direction of the arrows on the top disk indicate to vehicles in the rear the direction of turning and the words on the lower disk indicate the drivers intention to check his speed or come to a full stop.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is In an automobile signaling device, 2. casing including front and rear spaced walls, the front wall thereof having an upper and a lower opening, a bracket within the easing secured to the rear wall thereof, shafts supported by the bracket, a disk mounted on each shaft, each of the disks having a transparent portion adapted to register with the respective openings of the front wall of the casing, horizontal electric lamps in the casing secured to the rear wall thereof and positioned behind the respective openings of the front Wall, a pinion mounted on each of the shafts, racks having engagement with the pinions for moving the disks Within the casing, guides for each of the racks carried by the bracket, and means for operating the racks.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

CHARLES H. SHIPMAN. 

